Al Hambra

Sharing concepts have been big for some time in Dubai. It works well for some cuisines but most definitely not all of them. Spanish-style tapas is, of course, the original and still the best way to experience a shared experience – indeed it is its raison d’être. This is just one of the many plus points at Al Hambra at Jumeirah Al Qasr. Its taverna-style interior, palm-fringed, canal-side terrace location and live music also add to a stylish but relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place that encourages you do to do it like the Spaniards do mealtimes. You sit around, chat, relax, eat a while, take your time. Fast food, this most certainly isn’t.

 

But back to that menu. There’s a lot to choose from, but the big thing to know is that the restaurant has a pork kitchen, which serves absolute top-quality Spanish meat. This means you have a lot of decisions to make. Do you go for cured chorizo, Serrano ham or beef meatballs in tomato sauce? Or should you go down the seafood route? The garlic shrimps, which are marinated in olive oil and chili, and Spanish octopus will fight for your attention. Then of course there are the paella dishes. But don’t overlook surprises such as the Andalusian cold tomato soup, which adds an extra dimension to the meal. These are problems, albeit first-world ones, that you will have to wrestle with. In fact, maybe just let the waiter order for you.

 

While it would be a perfectly acceptable meal if you just stuck to tapas, it would be a shame to miss out on the mains. The rib eye steak, which comes on the bone along with baked potato and peppers, is a meal in itself, or you could go lighter with the cod fish and ratatouille.

 

And finally, there are some decent deserts, such as Spanish almond tarte or crème caramel chantilly crème. But if you’re going to limit your sugar intake, maybe save it for the sangria. It comes in six different concoctions and is an enjoyable alternative in what is a thoroughly pleasant evening.